Child vehicle having a graphical interface

ABSTRACT

A child vehicle includes a front frame having a handlebar and at least one front wheel, and a rear frame movably coupled thereto and having at least one rear wheel. At least one graphical interface is coupled to the vehicle and includes a placard having a frame secured to the vehicle and a working surface disposed generally within the frame. The working surface is configured to be marked thereon by the child using a marking utensil so as to create an artistic expression for customizing the vehicle. A tool-less coupling between the front and rear frames and an associated method of a tool-less assembly of a child vehicle are also disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.12/706,578, filed Feb. 16, 2010 (pending), the disclosure of which ishereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates generally to a child vehicle, and moreparticularly to a child vehicle capable of converting between twoconfigurations. The invention also relates to personalizing the childvehicle and providing additional activities for a child using thevehicle.

BACKGROUND

Trikes and scooters are among some of the most popular of today'soutdoor toys for young children. Previously, if a child desired both atrike and a scooter, the child's parents or guardian would typicallypurchase two separate products. However, the purchase of two separateproducts may be costly. Additionally, two separate products increase thespace required for storage, which may be at a premium in a garage,basement or other storage location. Accordingly, manufacturers of thesetypes of child vehicles have made attempts to develop a convertiblevehicle that easily transitions between a trike configuration and ascooter configuration. Such attempts, however, have been problematic andtherefore have met with limited commercial success in the marketplace.

In this regard, there are a number of design considerations that may notbe easily addressed to achieve convertibility between a trike and ascooter. By way of example, conventional trikes have seat assemblies onwhich to support a rider, while scooters lack such a seat assembly.Indeed, the presence of a seat assembly on a scooter may destroy theintended operation of the scooter, or at a minimum, would most likelydiminish the enjoyment experienced by a child using the scooter.Moreover, scooters typically include a deck for supporting one or morefeet of the rider thereon. Trikes, on the other hand, typically lacksuch a deck, as the feet of the rider are intended to be placed on thepedals of the trike. Thus, meshing the design of a trike and a scootercan present design challenges that have not been adequately addressed inthe industry.

Additionally, many trikes and scooters are manufactured and shipped tovarious retail outlets in an unassembled state. Some retail outlets mayoffer a service of assembling the vehicles for the customer. However, inmany instances, such a service may not be offered or the consumerchooses to forego the service and assemble the vehicle at home. In anyevent, conventional assembly of the vehicle typically requires theretail outlet or the consumer to have various tools for implementingassembly. When assembly is performed at the retail outlet, suchtool-based assembly can be costly and time consuming. Moreover, improperassembly by the retail outlet can be a source of consumer frustrationand/or product return. When assembly is performed by the consumer in thehome setting, for example, tool-based assembly can be the source ofconsumer frustration, and may likewise result in product return if theassembly process becomes too complex or daunting.

Furthermore, there is a strong desire in children to customize theirpossessions in an effort to express individuality and personality.Conventional trikes, scooters and other child vehicles do not offer muchpotential for customization and design beyond those incorporated at thefactory level. In this regard, trikes, scooters and other child vehiclesare typically offered at retail outlets with predetermined color schemesor decorative features (e.g., decals, etc.), which oftentimes fail tomake a personal connection with the child or provide the opportunity topersonalize the vehicle. Additionally, many of the products currently onthe market lack new and exciting features that allow children to play indifferent and interesting ways. In this regard, many products offeredtoday provide limited activities for children, often being limited to asingle activity (e.g., a tricycle is only used to ride). This may inturn limit the use of or diminish the enjoyment the child may gain fromusing the product.

Thus, while conventional trikes and scooters are generally successfulfor their intended purpose, there remains a need for a child vehiclethat can convert between multiple configurations in an improved andappealing manner. There also remains a need for a vehicle that may beassembled in a tool-less manner. Additionally, there remains a need fora child vehicle that allows children to assert their individuality bypersonalizing their vehicles through, for example, artistic expression.There also remains the need to provide additional activities for a childto enjoy using the vehicle.

SUMMARY

In one illustrative embodiment, the present invention is drawn to avehicle for a child having a front frame including a handlebar and atleast one front wheel and a rear frame movably coupled thereto andincluding at least one rear wheel. At least one graphical interface iscoupled to the vehicle that includes a placard having a frame secured tothe vehicle and a working surface disposed generally within the frame.The working surface is configured to be marked thereon by the childusing a marking utensil so as to create an artistic expression forcustomizing the vehicle. The graphical interface may be included on abroad range of child vehicles including bicycles, tricycles, scootersand ride-on vehicles.

In one embodiment, the working surface may be defined by the surface ofan art board. Generally, the working surface may include a surfaceroughness sufficient to allow a marking utensil to mark thereon when inmovable contact therewith. The working surface may also be configured toallow markings to be erased or otherwise relatively easily removedtherefrom. In one embodiment, the working surface may be integrallyformed with the frame such that the placard is a one-piece construction.Alternatively, however, in another embodiment, the placard may include asubstrate removably coupled to the frame, wherein the substrate definesthe working surface. For example, the substrate may include an art boardremovably coupled with the frame or a member having a sufficient surfaceroughness for receiving markings thereon. The substrate may also includea wide range of paper products, including various specialty paperconfigured for drawing, painting, coloring, etc. In one exemplaryembodiment, the placard may include a slider removably coupled to theframe having a handle and a depending member that defines the workingsurface thereon.

In one particular embodiment, the graphical interface may beincorporated with a child vehicle capable of converting between twoconfigurations. In this regard, the vehicle may include a deck coupledto the rear frame and a seat assembly configured to be removably coupledto the rear frame. When the seat assembly is coupled to the vehicle, thevehicle may have a tricycle configuration. And when the seat assembly isnot coupled to the vehicle, the vehicle may have a scooterconfiguration. More particularly, the scooter may be configured as achariot scooter.

In a further aspect of the invention, the deck may define a deck planeand the seat assembly may couple to the rear frame at a location belowthe deck plane. In this way, the deck is uninterrupted by the seatassembly and any of the support structure for coupling the seat assemblyto the vehicle does not affect operation of the vehicle as a scooter. Inone particular embodiment, the rear frame may include a support postthat extends in a direction that is generally parallel to the deckplace. The seat assembly may include a bracket having a leg alsoextending in a direction generally parallel to the deck plane. The legengages with the support post to couple the seat assembly to thevehicle.

In another embodiment in accordance with aspects of the invention, atool-less coupling of a child vehicle is disclosed. The child vehicleincludes a front frame and a rear frame that are movably coupledtogether during assembly. The coupling includes a post coupled to one ofthe front frame and rear frame having an outer surface and a free end. Alocking insert having at least one flexible tab is coupled to the freeend of the post such that at least a portion of the at least one tabextends outwardly of the outer surface of the post. The tab is capableof flexing generally inwardly toward the outer surface of the post. Thecoupling further includes a head tube coupled to the other of the frontframe or rear frame. The head tube includes a passageway configured toreceive the post therein and a first end having an opening incommunication with the passageway and an end surface disposed about theopening. The opening in the first end is sized to cause inward flexingof the at least one flexible tab as the post is being inserted throughthe passageway. However, the flexible tab flexes back outwardly afterhaving passed through the opening in the first end. In this way, aportion of the flexible tab is adjacent the end surface and outward ofthe opening such that the locking tab cannot move back through theopening and removal of the post from the head tube is prohibited.

In one particular embodiment, the post includes a passagewaytherethrough and at least one slot formed through the outer surface soas to be in communication with the passageway. At least a portion of thelocking insert is positioned in the passageway when coupled to the postand the at least one tab projects through the at least one slot in thepost. The coupling may further include a protective cap to cover thelocking insert. The protective cap may be configured to lock to thelocking insert.

In still a further embodiment, a tool-less assembly method for couplinga front frame and a rear frame of a child vehicle is disclosed, thefront and rear frames define a coupling as described above and themethod includes inserting the post into the passageway of the head tube;flexing the at least one flexible tab as the locking insert passesthrough the first end of the head tube; and positioning the flexible tabadjacent the end surface of the first end and outwardly of the openingtherein so as to prohibit the locking insert from passing back throughthe opening in the first end.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of one illustrative embodiment of aconvertible child vehicle having a graphical interface in the form of atricycle;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the child vehicle of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the child vehicle of FIGS. 1 and 2 withthe seat removed, such that the vehicle now has a scooter configuration;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4A is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 4;

FIG. 5 is a disassembled perspective view of a tool-less couplingbetween a front and rear frames of the vehicle;

FIG. 5A is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 5;

FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the child vehicle of FIGS. 1 and 2illustrating the coupling of a bin and caddy to the vehicle;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another illustrative embodiment of achild vehicle having a graphical interface in the form of a bicycle;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a child vehicle similar to FIG. 7 inaccordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view of an alternative seat assembly;

FIG. 9B is another cross-sectional view of the seat assembly shown inFIG. 9A; and

FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of the child vehicle illustrating analternate coupling of a bin to the vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings and to FIGS. 1 and 2 in particular, aconvertible child vehicle 10 in accordance with an exemplary embodimentof the invention, shown in the form of a tricycle, includes a frontframe 12 pivotally coupled to a rear frame 14. The front frame 12includes a front fork 16 operatively coupled to a handlebar 18. Thefront fork 16 includes a pair of spaced apart legs 20 that extend in agenerally parallel fashion. A front wheel 22, which defines a front axle24, is positioned between the legs 20 and rotatably coupled thereto soas to allow rotation of the front wheel 22 relative to the front frame12. A pair of pedals 26 are positioned outboard of the legs 20 of frontfork 16 and are operatively coupled to the front wheel 22 (e.g., such asby being coupled to the front axle 24) for allowing a rider (not shown)to rotate the front wheel 22, and consequently, propel the vehicle 10 ina certain direction dictated by the handlebar 18.

In this embodiment, the legs 20 of the front fork 16 do not converge toa single fork stem, as is conventional, but instead extend substantiallythe full length of the front fork 16. In this regard, the handlebar 18may couple to an upper end of the generally parallel legs 20. Forexample, the handlebar 18 may be coupled to the legs 20 using a screw orother suitable fastener. As shown in FIG. 1, in one embodiment, the legs20 may be angled adjacent the handlebar 18, so as to, for example,project away from the rider. In alternative embodiments, such an angleneed not be formed and the forks may be generally straight or have someother configuration. The handlebar 18 may include a pair of handles 28configured to be grasped by the rider for turning the vehicle 10 in adesired direction. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognizethat the handlebar 18 may have a wide variety of shapes and designs andthe invention is not limited to the particular embodiment shown herein.

As mentioned above, the front frame 12 is pivotally coupled to the rearframe 14. To this end, the front frame 12 includes an attachment memberhaving a crossbar 30 extending between the legs 20, and a post 32 (FIG.5) coupled to the crossbar 30 and extending in a direction generallyparallel to the legs 20. In one embodiment, the crossbar 30 may have anorthogonal relationship with the legs 20. However, the crossbar 30 maybe generally arcuate such that the post 32, which may be centrallylocated on the crossbar 30, may be offset from the legs 20 so as to bespaced from a plane or axis generally defined by the legs 20. Asexplained in more detail below, the post 32 (FIG. 5) is configured toreceive a portion of the rear frame 14 thereon to effectuate the pivotalcoupling between the front and rear frames 12, 14. In this regard, thepost 32 defines a pivot axis 34 that, in one embodiment, may begenerally parallel to, but spaced from, a plane or axis 35 defined bylegs 20 (FIG. 5).

The elements that form the front frame 12 may be formed from a varietyof materials. For example, the legs 20, crossbar 30, and post 32 may beformed from metal (e.g., metal tubing) and have a circular, oval, orother suitable cross-sectional shape. These materials and shapes aremerely exemplary and it should be recognized that other materials andshapes may be used. In contrast, the handlebar 18 and the pedals 26 maybe formed from suitable engineering plastics, including for example,polypropylene, polyethylene or other suitable plastics. However, theinvention is not so limited as the handlebar 18 and/or pedals 26 may beformed from other suitable materials.

The rear frame 14 includes a head tube 36 configured to be pivotallycoupled to the front frame 12, a first support element 38 coupled to thehead tube 36 at one end thereof, and a second support element 40 (shownin phantom in FIG. 2) coupled to the other end of the first supportelement 38. In one embodiment, the first support element 38 may includea generally arcuate tubular member 42 having a relatively large ovalcross-sectional shape, though circular or other cross-sectional shapesmay also be used. Additionally, the first support element 38 may includemultiple tubes extending from head tube 36 in alternative embodimentsand is not limited to that shown herein. A first end of the tubularmember 42 may, for example, be coupled to the head tube 36 through awelding process or other suitable process.

In an exemplary embodiment, the second support element 40 may include agenerally U-shaped support member 44 having a central portion and endportions on either side thereof. The central portion is configured to becoupled to the second end of the tubular member 42, such as through awelding process or other suitable process. Moreover, each end portionmay include a rear wheel 50 rotatably coupled adjacent an end thereof soas to allow rotation of the rear wheels 50 relative to the rear frame14. The second support element 40 may further include a central supportpost 52 having a first end coupled to the second end of tubular member42 or to the U-shaped member 44 and which may extend generally centrallybetween the end portions and lie generally within the same plane asgenerally defined by the U-shaped member 44. As discussed in more detailbelow, the central support post 52 may be configured to receive a seatassembly for providing a seat for a child using the vehicle 10.

As shown in these figures, the rear frame 14 further includes a deck 54configured to be coupled to and generally overlie the second supportelement 40. In this regard and in one embodiment, the deck 54 may have aU-shaped configuration generally corresponding to the shape of thesecond support element 40 (e.g., U-shaped member 44). The deck 54 mayinclude an upper, generally planar surface 56, a peripheral downturnedlip or flange 58, and a bottom surface (not shown) opposite the uppersurface 56. The bottom surface may include a plurality of ribs (notshown) to provide additional structural support to the deck 54 and todefine channels for receiving at least portions of second supportelement 40 therein. Additionally, the bottom surface may include one ormore connecting members (not shown) configured to receive fasteners(e.g., screws or the like) for securing the deck 54 to the rear frame14. The peripheral flange 58 may be configured so as to at leastpartially surround or cover the U-shaped member 44. In this way, theU-shaped member 44 may be hidden from view when observed from the top ofthe side of the vehicle 10, for example.

The deck 54 may include a first cutout 60 configured to receive aportion of the tubular member 42 therein when the deck 54 is coupled tothe second support element 40. A second cutout 62 may also be formed inthe peripheral flange 58 so as to expose a free end of the centralsupport post 52, as illustrated in FIG. 3. In one embodiment, the deck54 may include generally spherical lobes 64 (one shown) adjacent theends of the U-shaped member 44 where the rear wheels 50 couple to thevehicle 10 (e.g., the second support element 40). The lobes 64 may beconfigured to cover this coupling and/or provide a more aestheticallypleasing appearance to the vehicle 10. Additionally, as furtherillustrated in FIG. 3, the corresponding U-shaped configuration of thesecond support element 40 and deck 54 defines a generally U-shapedopening 66 generally disposed between the two rear wheels 50. Asexplained below, this opening 66 may be utilized to provide variousadd-on items to the vehicle 10.

The elements that form the rear frame 14 may be formed from a variety ofmaterials. For example, the U-shaped member 44 and central support post52 may be formed from metal (e.g., metal tubing) and have a circular,oval, or other suitable cross-sectional shape. For example, as explainedin more detail below, the central support post 52 may have a generallysquare or rectangular cross-sectional shape. However, these materialsand shapes are exemplary and it should be recognized that othermaterials and shapes may be used. In contrast, the deck 54 may be moldedfrom suitable engineering plastics, including for example,polypropylene, polyethylene or other suitable plastics. However, theinvention is not so limited as the deck 54 may be formed from othersuitable materials and other processes.

In one aspect in accordance with the invention, the vehicle 10 includesa seat assembly, generally shown at 68, that is selectively removablefrom the vehicle 10. By way of example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, whenthe seat assembly 68 is coupled to the vehicle 10, the vehicle 10 has atricycle configuration and the seat assembly 68 is configured to supportthe rider of the vehicle thereon. In contrast, and as illustrated inFIG. 3, when the seat assembly 68 is removed from the vehicle 10, thevehicle has a scooter configuration wherein the deck 54 is exposed andconfigured to receive one or both feet of the rider. The particularconfiguration of the vehicle 10 when the seat assembly 68 is removedtherefrom may be referred to as a chariot scooter. In the scooterconfiguration, the child may operate the convertible vehicle 10 in amanner that is conventional to scooters, namely, positioning one foot onthe deck 54 while the other foot is positioned on the ground adjacentthe deck 54. By pushing off the ground, the child is able to propel thevehicle 10 forward and steer by pivoting the handlebar 18.

As shown in more detail in FIGS. 4 and 4A, in one embodiment the seatassembly 68 may include a generally U-shaped bracket having a lowertubular post 70 and an upper tubular post 72 telescopingly coupled tolower post 70, as explained below. The lower post 70 may be generallyL-shaped and include a first leg 74 and a second leg 76 extendingtherefrom. The upper post 72 may also be L-shaped having a first leg 78and a second leg 80 extending therefrom. The first leg 74 of lower post70 is configured to couple to the central support post 52 of rear frame14 so as to support the seat assembly 68 on vehicle 10. Moreparticularly, an end of the first leg 74 is sized so as to be receivedwithin an opening 82 in the free end of central support post 52 exposedby second cutout 62 of deck 54 (FIG. 3).

In one embodiment, the coupling between the first leg 74 of lower post70 and central support post 52 may be achieved through an adjustablepush pin locking mechanism. As shown best in FIG. 4A, a push pin 86 maybe disposed within first leg 74 adjacent an end thereof and include atleast one projection or button 88 coupled to an end of a U-shaped springmember 90. The spring member 90 is configured to bias the ends thereofin an outward direction and away from each other. As the first leg 74 ofthe lower post 70 slides within the opening 82 in central support post52, the at least one button 88 is biased slightly inwardly and extendsonly through an aperture 92 through a wall of the first leg 74. Once thelower post 70 has been sufficiently inserted within the central supportpost 52, the aperture 92 in the first leg 74 is configured to align withan aperture 94 formed through a wall of the central support post 52.When so aligned, the button 88 is unconstrained and springs outwardlydue to the bias of spring member 90 to reside within both apertures 92,94. When the button 88 is disposed through the apertures 92, 94, theseat assembly 68 is secured to the vehicle 10 and telescopic movement ofthe lower post 70 relative the central support post 54 is prevented.

In one embodiment, the central support post 52 may include a pluralityof apertures 94 configured to receive the button 88 therein. Such aplurality of apertures 94 provide for an adjustment feature of the seatassembly 68 relative to the vehicle 10. Additionally, it should berecognized that to facilitate such an adjustment feature, the pushbutton 88 should be accessible when it extends through both apertures92, 94 in a locked position. In this regard, in one embodiment, the pushbutton 88 and apertures 92, 94 may be arranged such that the push button88 projects from a lower surface of the central support post 52. In thisway, the push button 88 is accessible by reaching underneath the deck54. Accordingly, to adjust the position of the seat assembly 68 relativeto the vehicle 10 in a first direction (e.g., generally horizontaldirection), the button 88 may be pushed inwardly until the button 88disengages from the aperture 94 in the central support post 52 (butstill engages with the aperture 92 in the first leg 74 of lower post 70.The seat assembly 68 is then moved in the first direction until thebutton 88 aligns with another aperture 94 in the central support post 52and springs outwardly to reside within both apertures 92, 94 and relockthe seat assembly 68 to the vehicle 10.

While the first leg 74 of the lower post 70 may be configured to coupleto the vehicle 10, the first leg 78 of the upper post 72 may beconfigured to couple to a seat 98 configured to support the rider whenthe seat assembly 68 is coupled to the vehicle 10 and in a tricycleconfiguration. A wide variety of seats may be used on the vehicle 10 andthe invention is not limited to the particular seat shown herein.Additionally, the seat 98 may be coupled to the first leg 78 in anyconventional manner, such as with suitable fasteners (screws, rivets,etc.) or other methods used in the industry.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 4A, the second leg 80 of the upper post 72is configured to be telescopingly received over the second leg 76 of thelower post 70 so as to couple the posts 70, 72 together. In oneembodiment, the coupling between the upper and lower posts 72, 70 may beachieved through an adjustable push pin locking mechanism similar tothat described above. In that regard, a push pin 100 having springmember 90 and opposed buttons 88 may be disposed in the second leg 76 ofthe lower member 70 and cooperate with apertures 102, 104 in lower andupper posts 70, 72, respectively, in a manner similar to that describedabove. As those of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate theoperation of the push pin locking mechanism between the upper and lowerposts 72, 70 based on the description above, no further description willbe provided herein. However, it should be realized that the push pinlocking mechanism between the upper and lower posts 72, 70 provides foradjusting the seat 98 in a second direction (e.g., generally verticaldirection) relative to the vehicle 10. Additionally, a sleeve may bedisposed about the coupling between the posts 70, 72 to prevent orreduce the likelihood of actuating the push pin locking mechanism.Moreover, while push pin locking mechanisms have been disclosed herein,other locking mechanisms may be used to secure the seat assembly 68 tothe vehicle 10 and/or provide an adjustment feature.

In one embodiment, the lower and upper posts 70, 72 may be made frommetal tubing capable of withstanding the loads placed thereon. Othermaterials, however, may also be possible including various engineeringplastics capable of withstanding the loads on the seat assembly 68.Additionally, the lower and upper posts 70, 72 may have a non-circularcross-sectional shape, including, for example, a square or rectangularcross-sectional shape, as shown. In this regard, a non-circularcross-sectional shape prevents relative rotation between the variousmembers of the seat assembly 68 and between the seat assembly 68 and thevehicle 10. Thus, for example, the non-circular cross section of thefirst leg 74 of the lower post 70 and the corresponding cross section ofthe opening 82 in the free end of the central support post 52 preventthe seat assembly 68 from rotating to one side or the other and towardthe deck 54. Similarly, the non-circular cross section of the secondlegs 76, 80 of the lower and upper posts 70, 72, respectively, preventsrelative rotation between the posts about an axis generally parallel tothe second legs 76, 80. In addition to the above, the non-circularcross-sectional shape reduces the loads that are normally imposed on thelocking mechanisms. For example, with circular tubes, a push pin lockingmechanism would have to resist loads in both a longitudinal direction(e.g., pulling the members apart) and a circumferential direction (e.g.,rotating the members). With tubing having non-circular cross sections,the circumferential loading is accommodated by the tubing, and not bythe locking mechanism. Accordingly, the locking mechanism may not wearas quickly and may remain more reliable during the useful life of thevehicle.

As best shown in FIGS. 4 and 4A, the seat assembly 68 may also include apush bar attachment 106 for coupling an adult push bar (not shown) topropel the vehicle 10 when, for example, the child is too small to reachthe pedals 26 or too tired to propel the vehicle under his or her ownpower. By way of example, a push bar similar to that shown and describedin U.S. Application Ser. No. 61/184,951 filed on Jun. 8, 2009, thedisclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety,may be used, other push bars, however, may also be used. In oneembodiment, the push bar attachment 106 may be formed in the upper post72 and may, for example, extend in a direction opposite the second leg80 thereof. This directs the attachment 106 toward the rear of thevehicle 10 to facilitate use by an adult walking behind the vehicle 10,for example. The attachment 106 may include one or more apertures 108that cooperate with a push pin locking mechanism (not shown) disposedeither in the attachment 106 itself or in the push bar, to facilitatecoupling to the attachment 106. The attachment 106 may further have anon-circular cross section to prevent relative rotation between it andthe push bar which is to be coupled thereto.

The design of the seat assembly 68 and its coupling to the vehicle 10may provide a number of advantages or aspects not appreciated by theindustry. In this regard, the U-shaped bracket of the seat assembly 68places the member that couples the seat 98 to the vehicle 10 (i.e., thesecond legs 76, 80) generally behind the seat 98 and not directly orsubstantially underneath the seat as is typically the case. This in turncreates a void or open region 110 generally beneath the seat 98 andabove the deck 54 (FIG. 4A). A rider may then fold or dangle his or herlegs beneath the seat 98 as might be done, for example, when sitting ina chair. It is believed that such a configuration increases the comfortof the rider when, for example, an adult is pushing the child or thevehicle is at rest and a child remains seated on the vehicle 10.

Another advantage to the design of the seat assembly 68 is that becausethe coupling between the seat assembly 68 and the vehicle 10 isprimarily in a horizontal direction (as opposed to a verticaldirection), no portion of the seat assembly 68 sticks out below the deck54 when the seat assembly 68 is attached to the vehicle 10, creating,for example, a safety concern. Additionally, when the seat assembly 68is removed from the vehicle 10, no part of the structure that supportsthe seat assembly 68 (e.g., central support post 52) extends above thedeck 54 so as to interfere or be of a concern during operation of thevehicle 10 in the scooter configuration. Instead, such support structureremains covered below the deck 54 and out of the way. In this regard,the upper surface 56 of the deck 54 defines a deck plane that supportsthe feet of the rider and the seat assembly couples to the rear frame 14at a location spaced from (e.g., beneath) the deck plane. In this way,for example, the upper surface 56 is uninterrupted by the coupling ofthe seat assembly 68. More particularly, the vertical post 52 and thefirst leg 74 of the lower leg 70, which engage to couple the seatassembly 68 to the vehicle 10, extend in a direction generally parallelto the deck plane. The second legs 76, 80 of the posts 70, 72 (whichposition the seat 98 vertically relative to deck 54) may then bepositioned within the opening 66 between the rear wheels 50 and definedby a rear edge of deck 54.

In another aspect in accordance with the invention, the vehicle 10 maybe configured to be assembled in a tool-less manner so as to avoid thecosts, frustrations, and product returns that often accompany tool-basedassembled products. In this regard, in order to transport a product froma manufacturing facility to a retail outlet or other location, theproduct will typically not be fully assembled, but will include severalseparate pieces that must be subsequently assembled. Breaking theproduct into several pieces may, for example, allow the product to fitinside a box suitable for shipping and/or displaying. In reference tothe vehicle 10, it is contemplated that the front frame 12 may beassembled as a separate piece, the rear frame 14 may be assembled as aseparate piece, and the seat assembly 68 may be a separate piece. In oneembodiment, it is contemplated that these separate pieces may beindividually assembled at the manufacturing facility prior to shipping.However, these pieces must then be assembled to form the vehicle 10. Asnoted above, this may be accomplished in the present invention in atool-less manner and either at the retail level of by the consumer athome.

To this end, and as discussed in detail above, the seat assembly 68 maycouple to the rear frame 14 of the vehicle 10 in a tool-less manner.More specifically, the push button locking mechanisms described above,allow the seat assembly 68 to be coupled to (and released from) thevehicle 10 without the use of any tools. Thus, to achieve a tool-lessassembly of the vehicle 10, the front and rear frames 12, 14 should beconfigured to couple in a tool-less manner, but yet not compromise theability of the coupling to provide pivotal movement between the frontand rear frames 12, 14. The details of such a tool-less coupling betweenthe front and rear frames 12, 14 will now be described.

As previously discussed, and as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the frontframe 12 couples to the rear frame 14 via the head tube 36 beingreceived over the post 32 on the crossbar 30 of the front frame 12. Inthis regard, the head tube 36 includes a generally hollow cylindricalbody having upper and lower ends through which post 32 may be received.To support the post 32, and thus front frame 12, the head tube 36 mayinclude an upper head tube spacer 112 coupled to the upper end thereof,and a lower head tube spacer 114 coupled to the lower end thereof. Theupper and lower head tube spacers 112, 114 may be secured to the headtube 36 and configured to support the front frame 12 within head tube36, yet allow rotation of the front frame 12 relative to the head tube36 and thus rear frame 14. The head tube spacers 112, 114 may beconfigured to reduce sharp edges associated with the head tube 36,and/or reduce the friction associated with pivoting motion of the rearframe 14 relative to the front frame 12. In one embodiment, the upperand lower head tube spacers 112, 114 may be formed from a suitableplastic, although other materials are possible. As noted above, theupper and lower head tube spacers 112, 114 may come preassembled to thehead tube 36. Alternatively, the head tube spacers 112, 114 may besecured to the respective ends of the head tube 36 in a tool-lessmanner, such as through a friction fit.

The upper and lower head tube spacers 112, 114, may include apertures116, 118, respectively, for snugly, but movably, receiving post 32therein. To support the head tube 36 on front frame 12, the post 32 mayinclude a support surface 120, which may, for example, engage the lowerend of the lower head tube spacer 114. In one embodiment, the supportsurface 120 may include a washer disposed over the post 32 and adjacentthe intersection of the post 32 with crossbar 30. Other support surfacesare also possible and may be positioned at other locations along post32.

The post 32 may be inserted through the head tube 36 such that an upperend of the post 32 extends above the upper head tube spacer 112 (FIG.4). A tool-less locking mechanism may be coupled to the post 32 tosecure its coupling to head tube 36. As best shown in FIGS. 5 and 5A,the locking mechanism includes a locking insert 122 configured to becoupled to the free end of the post 32. In this regard, and for reasonsthat are explained below, the free end of the post 32 includes a pair ofgenerally aligned apertures 124 formed through the wall of the post 32,and a pair of generally aligned slots 126 formed through the wall of thepost 32. As shown, the apertures 124 and slots 126 may becircumferentially offset from each other, such as for example, byapproximately 90 degrees, though other amounts or degrees of offset arepossible.

The locking insert 122 includes a body having a lower body portion 128and an upper body portion 130. The lower body portion 128 may begenerally cylindrical (e.g., tubular) and sized so as to fit through anopening and within a passageway of post 32. The lower body portion 128further includes a pair of opposed, generally flexible tabs 132depending therefrom. More particularly, the tabs 132 reside within slots134 formed in the lower body portion 128 and are coupled to the body atan upper end of the slots 134. The lower end of the tabs 132 are free toflex relative to the locking insert 122 in a generally radially inwardand outward direction (e.g., relative to a central axis of the lockinginsert) and define a bearing surface 136. The flexible tabs 132 may bebiased generally radially outward to a position wherein at least aportion of the tabs 132, and more particularly the lower free end andbearing surface 136 thereof, is generally outward of an outer surface138 of the lower body portion 128. In other words, the tabs 132 stickout beyond the outer surface 138 of the lower body portion 128 and mayhave a diverging configuration (relative to the central axis of thelocking insert) in a direction from the upper end of the locking insert122 and toward the lower end of the locking insert 122.

Additionally, a pair of opposed apertures 140 may be formed through thewalls of the lower body portion 128. For reasons that will becomeclearer below, the apertures 140 bear a positional relationship to thetabs 132 corresponding to the positional relationship between theapertures 124 and slots 126 formed in the free end of the post 32. Forexample, in one embodiment, the apertures 140 may be circumferentiallyoffset from the tabs 132 by approximately 90 degrees. Again, however,other amounts or degrees are also possible.

The upper body portion 130 may, in an exemplary embodiment, include agenerally conical section 142 a lower end of which is coupled to theupper end of the lower body portion 128 and an upper end of whichincludes a generally disc-shaped button 144. The button 144 extendsradially outward of an outer surface 146 of the conical section 142 todefine an annular shoulder or lip 148. The transition between the lowerand upper body portions 128, 130 defines a shoulder 152 that is spacedfrom the shoulder 148 defined by button 144. In an exemplary embodiment,the locking insert 122 may be molded as an integral piece from asuitable plastic material, for example. However, it should be realizedthat the locking insert may include multiple pieces coupled together andbe formed from other materials and through other processes.

To couple the locking insert 122 to the free end of the post 32, thelocking insert 122 is oriented relative to the post 32 such that theflexible tabs 132 are aligned with the slots 126 in the post 32. Thelocking insert 122 may then be inserted through an opening in the freeend of the post 32 that is in communication with a passageway throughpost 32. As mentioned above, at least a portion of the lower bodyportion 128 is sized to fit within the passageway of post 32 and thetabs 132 fit within the slots 126. The locking insert 122 is slidablyreceived in the post 32 until the apertures 124 in the post 32 alignwith the apertures 140 in the locking insert 122. At this point asuitable fastener (e.g., nut and bolt, screw, rivet, etc.) may be usedto secure the locking insert 122 to the post 32, as shown in FIG. 5.When so coupled, the flexible tabs 132 extend through the slots 126 andoutward of the outer surface 154 of post 32 such that at least a portionof the bearing surface 136 is outward of outer surface 154. However, itshould be realized that the flexible tabs 132 are capable of flexinggenerally inward toward the outer surface 154 of post 32. Additionally,for reasons that will become clearer below, the upper body portion 130may extend above the free end of the post 32.

With the locking insert 122 coupled to the post 32, as described above,which may be done at the manufacturing facility and prior to delivery toa retail outlet, the front frame 12 may be coupled to the rear frame 14in a tool-less manner. For example, this tool-less assembly may be doneby someone at the retail store or by the consumer in the homeenvironment. In any event, to couple the front and rear frames 12, 14,the head tube 36 of the rear frame 14 may be slid over the free end ofthe post 32. Due to the direction of coupling and the divergingconfiguration of the flexible tabs 132, the tabs 132 flex inwardly suchthat the post 32 is able to pass through the apertures 116, 118 of theupper and lower head tube spacers 112, 114, respectively.

When the head tube 36 is fully seated on the post 32, the lower headtube spacer 114 may engage the support surface 120 and be supportedthereby. Additionally, when fully seated, the flexible tabs 132 may bepositioned above an upper end surface 156 of the upper head tube spacer112 such that the tabs 132 are free to flex outwardly again after havingpassed through head tube 36. In this way, the bearing surface 136 of thetabs 132 engage or are adjacent the upper end surface 156 of the upperhead tube spacer 112 (FIG. 4). Through this configuration, any upwardmovement of the head tube 36 relative to the post 32 may besubstantially prohibited by engagement of the bearing surface 136 oftabs 132 with the upper surface 156 of the upper head tube spacer 112.Accordingly, the head tube 36 is essentially locked in place on the post32 so as to couple the front and rear frames 12, 14. It should berealized, however, that while the head tube 36 is essentially locked topost 32, relative rotation between the front and rear frames 12, 14 ispermitted.

Although the front and rear frames 12, 14 are coupled together asdescribed above, the coupling may be released by pressing the flexibletabs 132 inwardly so as to allow the head tube 36 to pass back over thelocking insert 122. More particularly, the tabs 132 may be pressedinwardly such that the bearing surfaces 136 thereof are no longer overthe upper end surface 156, but are inward of the aperture 116. In thisposition, the head tube 36 may be moved off of post 32. Therefore, toavoid any unintentional releasing or unlocking of the front and rearframes 12, 14, the exposed portion of the locking insert 122 may becovered. In this regard, the vehicle 10 may be provided with aprotective cap 158 configured to be coupled to the vehicle 10 so as tocover and protect the locking insert 122. To this end, the cap 158 maybe generally cylindrical and includes a lower hub 160, an upper hub 162,and a plurality of generally flexible locking tabs 164 (FIG. 5). The cap158 may, for example, be molded from a suitable engineering plastic, butother materials and processes are also possible.

The lower hub 160 is configured to be sized so as to engage the upperend surface 156 of the upper head tube spacer 112 adjacent itsperiphery. Accordingly, a substantial portion of the upper end surface156 may be covered by the protective cap 158. The upper hub 162 extendsfrom an upper end of the lower hub 160 and has a reduced cross-sectionaldimension as compared to the lower hub 160. The flexible locking tabs164 may be recessed within the upper hub 162 so as to be radiallysurrounded thereby, and further may be angled radially inwardly (e.g.,converging) toward, for example, a central axis of the cap 158.Additionally, the upper end of the locking tabs 164 may be below oraligned with the upper end of the upper hub 162 so as not to extendtherebeyond. The flexible tabs 164 are configured to flex in a generallyradially inward and outward direction. Furthermore, the cap 158 includesa passageway configured to receive a portion of the post 32 and/or aportion of the locking insert 122 therethrough. More particularly, forreasons provided below, the passageway 166 defined by the flexiblelocking tabs 164 is smaller than the outer cross dimension of the button144 on the locking insert 122.

To couple the protective cap 158 to the vehicle 10, the cap 158 may bealigned with the locking insert 122 and moved downwardly such that thelocking insert 122 is positioned within the passageway of the cap 158.After sufficient movement, the button 144 on the upper end of thelocking insert 122 engages the flexible locking tabs 164 and biases themoutward so as to allow the button 144 to pass through passageway 166 andabove the cap 158. When the button 144 passes beyond the locking tabs164, the tabs 164 spring back inwardly so that the free ends thereof arepositioned beneath the shoulder 148. In this position, the base or lowerend of the locking tabs 164 (e.g., where they couple to the upper hub162) may engage or nearly engage the shoulder 152 between the lower andupper hubs 160, 162 (FIG. 4). Such a configuration essentially locks theprotective cap 158 to the locking insert 122 and prevents or reduces thelikelihood of an unintentional actuation of the flexible tabs 132 thatmight uncouple the front and rear frames 12, 14.

As discussed above, children often have a strong desire to customizetheir possessions to express individuality and personality, andconventional bikes, scooters, trikes and other child vehicles may notoffer much, if any, potential for customization. Thus, in accordancewith a further aspect of the invention, to effectuate the purpose ofallowing the child to create artistic expressions, and therebypersonalize their vehicle 10, the vehicle 10 may incorporate one or moregraphical interfaces that allow the child to mark thereon using a widevariety of writing or marking utensils. For example, the graphicalinterfaces may be configured to be marked on using, without limitation,pencils, pens, markers, chalk, water-color paints, crayons and possiblyother marking utensils. Such marking utensils can be readily purchasedfrom a wide variety of retail outlets. By way of example, markingutensils offered by Crayola, LLC of Easton, Pa. may be used to mark onthe graphical interfaces. This may include, without limitation, Crayola®crayons, washable markers, sidewalk chalk and sidewalk crayons. Othermanufacturers, however, may also provide marking utensils that can beused to mark on the graphical interfaces.

In one embodiment, a graphical interface may be provided by a placard170, which may, for example, be coupled to the legs 20 of the frontframe 12 (e.g., such as at the manufacturing facility) by suitablefasteners (e.g., screws, rivets, bolts, etc.). The placard 170 mayinclude a generally rectangular frame 172 and a working surface 174generally disposed within the frame 172 (FIG. 1). The frame 172 mayinclude a pair of opposed side members 176 and a pair of end members 178in a generally rectangular configuration. In one embodiment, the sidemembers 176 may include extension flanges 180 (FIGS. 5 and 5A) thatextend beyond the end members 178 so as to at least partially wraparound a corresponding leg 20 of the front frame 12. The frame 172 maybe formed from a suitable engineering plastic through, for example, amolding process. However, the frame may be formed from other materialsand through other processes as well.

As noted above, the frame 172 generally surrounds a working surface 174that may, in one exemplary embodiment, be integrally formed with theframe 172. For example, the working surface 174 may be formed from theplastic that forms the frame 172. The plastic that forms the workingsurface 174 may be configured to facilitate marking thereon. In oneembodiment, for example, the working surface 174 may include a mattefinish that provides a sufficient surface roughness that allows thematerial of the marking utensils (e.g., pencil, chalk, crayons, etc.) tobe deposited thereon when the utensil is in moving contact therewith. Inaddition to the above, the working surface 174 may also be configured ina manner that facilitates removal of the markings thereon. In thisregard, and in a further embodiment, the working surface 174 may beformed from a surface of an art board integrated within the placard 170.Such art boards include, without limitation, dry erase boards, chalkboards, paint boards, and other boards suitable for drawing, coloring,painting, or otherwise marking thereon for creating an artisticexpression.

In an alternative embodiment, the working surface 174 may include asubstrate that is removably coupled to the placard 170 and positionablewithin frame 172. The substrate may be marked on prior to coupling tothe placard 170 or be marked on after being coupled thereto. By way ofexample, the substrate may be an art board, as described above,removably coupled to the frame 172. The substrate may be a plasticmember having a sufficient surface roughness. The substrate may alsoinclude most any paper used by children for drawing, coloring, orpainting and may include, for example, notebook paper, constructionpaper, or a specialty paper, such as Crayola® Color Wonder, ColorExplosion, or Color Surge paper. Other specialty papers from Crayola® orother manufacturers may also be used in accordance with this aspect ofthe invention. Other substrates, such as poster board or other cardboardmaterials may also be used. In this embodiment, the substrate may becoupled to the graphical interface through various means including, forexample, providing a clip adjacent the frame 172 for retaining thesubstrate thereto. Other techniques, such as tape, glues, magnets, etc.may also be used to retain the substrate to the placard 170.Alternatively, though not specifically shown, the frame 172 of theplacard 170 may be formed to include a slot through which the substrateslides so as to be positioned in and retained by the frame 172.

The inclusion of one or more graphical interfaces on the vehicle 10allows a child to assert their individuality by personalization of thevehicle 10. This personalization may be achieved through the child'sartistic expression. It is believed that personalizing the vehicle 10 inthis manner will enhance the enjoyment experienced by the child thoughinteracting with the vehicle 10. Additionally, the graphical interfacesincrease the number of activities a child may do using the vehicle 10.Thus, in addition to riding the vehicle 10 in either configuration, achild may also use the vehicle 10 to draw, color, paint, etc. andexplore the limits of his or her imagination.

The vehicle 10 may include additional features in further alternativeembodiments. In this regard, in one embodiment, the placard 170 mayinclude a fender 182 coupled thereto and configured to generally overlieat least a portion of the front wheel 22. In one embodiment, the fender182 may be integrally formed with the frame 172 through, for example, amolding process. Alternatively, however, a fender may be formed separatefrom the placard 170 and subsequently coupled thereto, such as along thelower end member 178 thereof. The fender 182 may also be coupled to thefront frame 12 at other locations, such as crossbar 30 or legs 20.

Additionally, placard 170 may include one or more holders 184 (twoshown) configured to hold a marking utensil, such as those identifiedabove, for marking on the graphical interface. In one embodiment, theholders 184 may be generally cylindrical having a closed bottom end. Anopening may be formed through the wall thereof to gain access to theinterior of the holder 184. In one embodiment, the holders 184 may becoupled to the extension flanges 180 extending from side members 176. Itshould be realized, however, that in alternative embodiments, theholders 184 may be located at other positions on the placard 170 or onvehicle 10.

In still a further aspect in accordance with the invention, the vehicle10 may carry one or more compartments configured to carry and/or storevarious items. By way of example, the compartments may carry and/orstore child appropriate marking utensils used to mark on the graphicalinterfaces included on the vehicle 10. The compartments may also carryadditional sheets of paper for use with the graphical interface(s), orother toys as desired by the child. This ability to carry and/or storematerials allows the child to enjoy additional activities with thevehicle beyond simply riding the vehicle. In this regard, and inreference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 6, such a compartment for the vehicle 10 mayinclude a bin, generally shown at 186, which may be removably coupled tothe vehicle 10.

In one embodiment, the bin 186 includes a bowl-shaped body 188 definingan open cavity 190 and a flange 192 defined about an upper periphery ofthe cavity 190. In one embodiment, the flange 192 may include a pair ofears 194 on one side of the cavity 190 (e.g., inner side) and adjacentopposite ends of the bin 186 and defines a generally arcuate edgetherebetween. Such a configuration may give the bin 186 a generallycat-head shaped appearance when viewed from above. The flange 192 mayfurther include a peripheral downturned lip 196, the purpose of which isdescribed below. Moreover, the bin 186 may include a pair of studs onopposing ends of the cavity 190 to which a handle 198 is hingedlyattached.

The bin 186 may be configured to be removably coupled to the vehicle 10.More particularly, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 6, the bin 186 may becoupled to the vehicle 10 generally within the U-shaped opening 66between the rear wheels 50. As shown in FIG. 6, to secure the bin 186 tothe vehicle 10, the generally spherical lobes 64 in the deck 54 mayinclude a channel 200 formed therein configured to receive a portion ofthe downturned lip 196 on the flange 192 of the bin 186. Additionally,the upper surface 56 of the deck 54 may also include a channel (notshown) configured to receive a portion of the downturned lip 196 of theflange 192. The outer surface of the bowl-shaped body 188 may alsoinclude suitable indentations (not shown) configured to receive part ofthe spherical lobe 64 therein to further secure the bin 186 to thevehicle 10.

Such a coupling allows the bin 186 to be secured to the vehicle 10 whendesired, so as to, for example, carry the bin 186 with the vehicle 10,but yet allows the bin 186 to be removed therefrom in an easy andconvenient manner. In this regard, the bin 186 may be lifted upwardlyaway from the deck 54 such that the lip 196 disengages the channel 200.The bin 186 may then be moved to a desired location for the child toplay with. Of course, the bin 186 may be placed back on the vehicle 10and carried thereby to another location.

As noted in the figures, in addition to carrying and/or storing items inthe cavity 190 of bin 186, the bin may further include one or more bores202 formed, for example, in the ears 194 of the flange 192. The bores202 may be configured to hold, for example, one or more marking utensilsuch as those described above. The bin 186 may be formed from suitableengineering plastics through, for example, a molding process. However,other materials and processes may also be used to form the bin.

Another compartment configured to carry and/or store various items, andbe used with vehicle 10, includes a caddy, generally shown at 204. Thecaddy 204 includes a generally elliptically-shaped body 206 defining acavity 208 formed therein. A handle 210 may be coupled to the body 206,such as adjacent a central portion thereof. In one embodiment, thehandle 210 has a fixed position relative to the body 206. In analternative embodiment, however, the handle 210 may be hingedly orotherwise movably coupled to the body 206. The caddy 204 may include atleast one lid 212 movable between an open position providing access tothe cavity 208, and a closed position covering an opening to the cavity208. In one exemplary embodiment, two lids 212 are provided which arehingedly mounted to the body 206 adjacent a central portion thereof(e.g., adjacent handle 210).

Similar to the above, the caddy 204 may be configured to be removablycoupled to the vehicle 10. More particularly, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 4,4A, and 6, the caddy 204 may be sized so as to be received in the opencavity 190 of bin 186 in, for example, a nesting relationship. Such acoupling allows the caddy 204 to be secured to the vehicle 10 (e.g.,within bin 186) when desired, so as to, for example, carry the caddy 204with the vehicle 10, but yet allows the caddy 204 to be removedtherefrom in an easy and convenient manner. The caddy 204 may then bemoved to a desired location for the child to play with. Of course, thecaddy 204 may be placed back in the bin 186 and carried by the vehicle10 to another location. The caddy 204 may be formed from suitableengineering plastics through, for example, a molding process. However,other materials and processes may also be used to form the bin.

In a further aspect of the invention, and in furtherance of the desireto allow children to customize their possessions, the lid(s) 212 of thecaddy 204 may include an upper surface 214 that may operate as theworking surface 174 of a graphical interface for the child to mark on.The various configurations of the working surface 174 on the caddy 204are similar to that described above for working surface 174, and thuswill not be described in detail here. Instead, one of ordinary skill inthe art will understand how to configure upper surface 214 so as tooperate as a working surface 174 of a graphical interface based on thedescription provided above.

The feature of incorporating a graphical interface into a child vehicleis not limited to the tricycle shown and described herein. Instead, itshould be recognized that graphical interfaces may also be incorporatedinto other child vehicles so as to provide similar benefits to thechild. In this regard, assignee's co-pending U.S. application Ser. No.12/706,611, filed on Feb. 16, 2010 and entitled “Convertible andSteerable Scoot-A-Bout”, the disclosure of which is incorporated byreference herein in its entirety, discloses graphical interfacesincorporated into a scoot-a-bout vehicle capable of converting between aride-on configuration and a scooter configuration. Additionally, and instill a further embodiment, graphical interfaces may be incorporatedinto a child's bicycle to allow a child to customize their bike.

In this regard and as shown in FIG. 7, in which like reference numeralsrefer to like features in FIGS. 1-6, a bicycle 220 includes a frontframe 222 and a rear frame 224 movably coupled relative to each other.The front frame 222 may be similar to front frame 12 as described aboveand as those of ordinary skill in the art will readily understand theconstruction of front frame 222 based on the description provided above,a further description will not be provided. The rear frame 224 includesa head tube (not shown), a seat tube 226, a top tube 228, a bottombracket 230, a seat stay 232, a chain stay 234, and a rear wheel 236 ina generally conventional arrangement. The rear frame 224 may include abottom tube or as illustrated herein, may lack a bottom tube.Additionally, though not shown, two training wheels may be coupled tothe rear frame 224 to aid those children that are unable toindependently balance the bicycle 220 while riding.

In one embodiment, the bicycle 220 may include a graphical interface inthe form of a placard 238. The placard 238 may be similar to placard 170discussed above and will not be further described herein. Those ofordinary skill in the art will readily understand the construction andimplementation of placard 238 on bicycle 220 based on the descriptionabove.

In another embodiment, however, the bicycle 220 may include a furtherplacard 240 disposed generally beneath the top tube 228. Similar to thepreviously described placard, placard 240 may include a frame 242 and aworking surface 244 generally disposed within the frame 242. Whilehaving a slightly different shape as compared to placard 170, the frame242 and working surface 244 may be constructed similar to that describedabove. When the top tube 228 includes a single tubular member extendingbetween the head tube and the seat tube 226, frame 242 may be coupled tothe underside of the tube 228 using suitable fasteners (not shown). Inan alternative embodiment, however, the top tube 228 may have abifurcated design characterized by two generally parallel tubularmembers 228 a, 228 b extending between the head tube and the seat tube226, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 that are spaced apart to define a gap246.

In this embodiment, the frame 242 of placard 240 may be positionedbeneath and coupled to both tubes and define an opening (not shown) inthe frame 242 that is in registration with the gap 246 between the toptubes 228 a, 228 b. The placard 240 may further include a slider 248removably coupled with the frame 242 and which may carry the workingsurface 244. In one embodiment, the slider 248 includes a handle 250 anda generally planar depending member 252 coupled thereto and definingopposed working surfaces 244 (e.g., both sides of depending member 252).The depending member 252 may be sized to fit in the gap 246 between thetop tube members 228 a, 228 b and fit through the opening in the frame242 so as to be disposed within the frame 242 when fully insertedtherein. When fully inserted, the handle 250 may engage an upper surfaceof the top tube members 228 a, 228 b.

Similar to the above, in one embodiment, the surfaces of the dependingmember 252 may provide the working surface 174 of the graphicalinterface. Alternatively, however, a separate substrate may be used withthe placard 240 to provide the working surface 174 of the graphicalinterface. To this end, FIG. 8 illustrates the incorporation of aseparate substrate 254 (e.g., paper) with the placard 240. In oneembodiment, the substrate 254 may be generally U-shaped (or be formed soas to be U-shaped) having two generally flat portions connected by aweb. The substrate 254 may have a shape corresponding to the interiorshape defined by the frame 242. The depending member 252 may be insertedbetween the flat portions of the substrate 254 such that the flatportions are adjacent the planar surfaces of the depending member 252and the web is adjacent the lower edge of the depending member 252. Theslider 248 and substrate 254 may then be inserted into frame 242. Whenso inserted, the substrate 254 forms the working surface 174 within theframe 242. Of course, the slider 248 may be removed and a differentsubstrate, having a different design created by the child, may then beinserted within frame 242.

In further alternative embodiments, the bicycle 220 may includeadditional features. For example, the bicycle 220 may include a rack 256coupled to the seat stays 232 (e.g., by welding or other suitablemethod) and generally disposed behind the seat 258. The rack 256 may beused in a conventional sense to carry various items. In an alternativeembodiment, the rack 256 may carry a caddy 260, which may be similar tocaddy 204 described above. The caddy 260 may carry, for example, markingutensils for marking on the graphical interfaces and/or additionalsubstrates (e.g., paper). The caddy 260 may be further configured tocouple to the rack 256 in a convenient manner. In this regard, the rack256 may include at least one (two shown) crossbar 262, and the bottomsurface of the caddy 260 may include a corresponding number of channels(not shown) formed therein. The channels may be configured to receivethe crossbars 262 therein in a snap-fit manner. Furthermore, it shouldbe realized that graphic interfaces may be included on other portions ofthe bicycle 220 as well. For example, placards may be coupled to theside supports 264 of the rack 256 (not shown). These placards wouldsimulate saddlebags that are used with many conventional racks.

FIGS. 9A and 9B show a further embodiment of a seat assembly 270configured to be removably coupled to the vehicle 10. Similar to theprevious embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, in this embodiment, theseat assembly 270 may include a generally U-shaped bracket having alower post 272 and an upper post 274 telescopingly coupled to the lowerpost. The lower post 272 may be generally L-shaped and include a firstleg 276 and a second leg 278 extending therefrom. The upper post 274 mayalso be generally L-shaped having a first leg 280 and a second leg 282extending therefrom. The first leg 276 of lower post 272 is configuredto couple to the central support post 52 of the rear frame 14 so as tosupport the seat assembly 270 on vehicle 10. More particularly, an endof the first leg 276 is sized so as to be received within the opening 82in the free end of the central support post 52 exposed by second cutout62 of deck 54. As explained in more detail below, the coupling betweenthe first leg 276 of the lower post 272 and the central support post 52may be achieved through an adjustable push pin locking mechanism.

The second leg 278 of the lower post 272 includes a body 284 configuredas a hand grip. The body 284 includes a lower opening 286 configured toreceive the first leg 276 therein and secure the first and second legs276, 278 together. The second leg 278 also includes a passageway 288 andan opening 290 at an upper end thereof configured to receive the secondleg 282 of the upper post 274 therein. The first leg 276 of the lowerpost 272 may be formed from metal or other suitable material. The secondleg 278 of the lower post 272 may be formed from plastic, such asthrough a molding process. The second leg 278 may also be formed frommetal or other suitable material and through other processes.

Similar to the previous embodiment, the first leg 280 of the upper post274 may be configured to couple to a seat (not shown) that supports therider when the seat assembly 270 is coupled to the vehicle 10 and in atricycle configuration. A wide variety of seats may be used on thevehicle 10 and the seat may be coupled to the first leg 280 in anyconventional manner. The upper post 274 may also include a push barattachment 106 for coupling an adult push bar (not shown) to propel thevehicle 10, as described above. The second leg 282 of the upper post 274is configured to be telescopingly received through the opening 290 andwithin the passageway 288 of the second leg 278 of the lower post 272.The upper post 274 may be formed from metal tubing capable ofwithstanding the loads placed thereon. Other materials, however, mayalso be possible including various engineering plastics capable ofwithstanding the loads on the seat assembly 270. Additionally, andsimilar to that described above, the lower and upper posts 272, 274 mayhave non-circular aspects (e.g., square of rectangular aspects) thatprevent relative rotation between the various members of the seatassembly 270 and between the seat assembly 270 and the vehicle 10.

Similar to the previous embodiment, the seat assembly 270 may includevarious locking mechanisms for coupling to the vehicle 10 and provide anadjustment feature to the seat assembly 270. In this regard, thecoupling between the first leg 276 of lower post 272 and central supportpost 52 may be achieved through an adjustable push pin lockingmechanisms. As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, a push pin 292 may be disposedwithin first leg 276 adjacent an end thereof and include at least oneprojection or button 294 and a stem 296 received within a bore 298 ofthe first leg 276. The push pin 292 includes a spring member 300 thatbiases the push pin 292 away from the bore 298. As the first leg 276 oflower post 272 slides within the opening 82 of central support post 52,the button 294 is biased slightly inwardly and extends only through anaperture 92 through a wall of the first leg 276. Once the lower post 272has been sufficiently inserted within the central support post 52, theaperture 92 in first leg 276 is configured to align with an aperture 94formed through a wall of the central support post 52. When so aligned,the button 294 is unconstrained and springs outwardly due to the bias ofspring member 300 to reside within both apertures 92, 94 (FIG. 9A). Whenthe button 294 is disposed through the apertures 92, 94, the seatassembly 270 is secured to the vehicle 10 and telescopic movement of thelower post 272 relative to the central support post 54 is prevented.

In one embodiment, the central support post 52 may include a pluralityof apertures 94 configured to receive the button 294 therein. Such aplurality of apertures 94 provide for an adjustment feature of the seatassembly 270 relative to the vehicle 10. Additionally, it should berecognized that to facilitate such an adjustment feature, the pushbutton 294 should be accessible when it extends through both apertures92, 94 in a locked position. However, unlike the previous embodiment,the seat assembly 270 is configured to allow actuation of the push pin292 without reaching underneath the deck 54. In this regard, in oneembodiment, a push rod 302 is slidably disposed within the first leg 276and has a push button 304 that extends through an opening 306 on therear side of the second leg 278. A spring member 308 biases the push rod302 away from the push pin 292. The push rod 302 includes a rampedsurface 310 configured to engage a correspondingly angled surface 312 onthe push pin 292.

In operation, when the button 304 of the push rod 302 is pressedinwardly against the bias of spring member 308, the ramped surface 310of the push rod 302 engages the angled surface 312 on the push pin 292so as to cause upward movement of the push pin 292 against the bias ofspring member 300. The upward movement of the push pin 292 may besufficient to cause the button 294 to disengage from the aperture 94 inthe central support post 52 (FIG. 9B). When the apertures 92, 94 aremisaligned, the button 304 may be released such that the push rod 302moves to its default outward position due to the bias of spring member308. Alternatively, the push button 304 may be maintained in its inwardposition during the full movement of the seat assembly 270. With theapertures 92, 94 misaligned, the seat assembly 270 may then be moved ina first direction (e.g., generally horizontal direction) until thebutton 294 aligns with another aperture 94 in the central support post52 and springs outwardly, due to the bias of spring member 300, toreside within both apertures 92, 94 and relock the seat assembly 270 tothe vehicle 10.

Turning now to the coupling between the lower and upper posts, 272, 274,a push pin locking mechanism may also be used to effectuateadjustability. In this regard, the second leg 278 of the lower post 272may include an actuator 314 pivotally coupled to the second leg 278 todefine a pivot point 316. The actuator 314 includes a pin 318 at one endthereof and on one side of the pivot point 316, and a spring member 320at the other end thereof an on the opposite side of the pivot point 316.Such a configuration biases the actuator 314 to rotate or pivot in apreferred direction (clockwise as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B). Moreparticularly, the spring member 320 biases the pin 318 inwardly so as toengage with an aperture 104 formed in the second leg 282 of the upperpost 274 that is telescopingly received within the passageway 288 in thelower post 272 (FIG. 9A).

In operation, when the rider or other person applies a force to theactuator 314, the actuator 314 pivots about pivot point 316 so as todisengage the pin 318 from one of the apertures 104 in the second leg282. When the pin 318 and aperture 104 are misaligned, the buttonactuator 314 may be released. Alternatively, the actuator 314 may remainpressed during the full movement of the seat assembly 270. With the pin318 and aperture 104 disengaged, upper post 274 may be moved relative tothe lower post 272 in a second direction (e.g., generally verticaldirection) until the pin 318 aligns with another aperture 104 in thesecond leg 282 of the upper post 274 and springs inwardly, due to thebias of spring member 320, to reside within another aperture 104 andrelock the relative positions of the lower and upper posts 272, 274. Thesecond leg 282 may include slots 322 configured to receive a pin 324therethrough which may, for example, limit the travel of the upper post274 relative to the lower post 272.

FIG. 10, in which like reference numerals refer to like features inFIGS. 1-8, illustrate an alternative coupling between a bin 330 and thevehicle 10. In this embodiment, the vehicle 10 includes at least one,and preferably a pair of ears 332 formed in the flange 58 of deck 54 andprojecting into the opening 66 between rear wheels 50. The ears 332include a bore 334 formed therethrough configured to receive a portionof the bin 330 so as to couple the bin 330 to the vehicle 10. The bores334 may be formed completely within ears 334, or partially within ears334 and partially within the deck 54.

As mentioned above, the bores 334 in the deck 54 are configured toreceive a portion of the bin 330 therein. In this regard, the bin 330includes a pin or post 336 projecting from the underside of the flange194. More particularly, the posts 336 may project from the underside ofthe ears 194 formed in the flange 194 of bin 330. The posts 336 mayinclude a blind bore 202 open along the top of flange 58 configured toreceive, for example, one or more writing utensils therein. The bin 330may be coupled to the vehicle 10 by placing the bin 330 overtop the deck54 such that the posts 336 align with the bores 334 in the ears 332. Thebin 330 may then be lowered such that the posts extend within or throughthe bores 334 and thereby secure the bin 330 to the vehicle. The bin 330may be removed from the vehicle 10 by lifting the bin 330 upwardly suchthat the posts 336 disengage the bores 334. The bin 330 may then bemoved to a location desired by the child for playing. In thisembodiment, the channels 200 through lobes 64 may be omitted. Instead,the flange 58 of bin 330 may include a cutout 338 that receives a partof lobe 64 to support the bin 330 thereon.

While the present invention has been illustrated by a description ofvarious preferred embodiments and while these embodiments have beendescribed in some detail, it is not the intention of the Applicant torestrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to suchdetail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear tothose skilled in the art. For example, in describing the tool-lesscoupling between the front and rear frames, the post and locking insertwere associated with the front frame and the head tube was associatedwith the rear frame. It should be realized, however, that associatingthe post and locking insert with the rear frame and associating the headtube with the front frame is within the scope of the present invention.Thus, the various features of the invention may be used alone or in anycombination depending on the needs and preferences of the user. This hasbeen a description of the present invention, along with the preferredmethods of practicing the present invention as currently known. However,the invention itself should only be defined by the appended claims.

1. A vehicle for a child, comprising: a front frame including ahandlebar and at least one front wheel; a rear frame movably coupled tothe front frame, the rear frame including at least one rear wheelcoupled thereto; and at least one graphical interface coupled to thevehicle including a placard having a frame secured to the vehicle and aworking surface disposed generally within the frame, the working surfaceconfigured to be marked thereon by the child using a marking utensil soas to create an artistic expression for customizing the vehicle.
 2. Thevehicle of claim 1, wherein the vehicle is selected from the groupconsisting of bicycles, tricycles, scooters, and ride-on vehicles. 3.The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the working surface is defined by asurface of an art board.
 4. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the workingsurface includes a surface roughness sufficient to allow a markingutensil to mark thereon when in movable contact therewith.
 5. Thevehicle of claim 1, further comprising a substrate removably coupled tothe frame, the substrate defining the working surface.
 6. The vehicle ofclaim 5, wherein the substrate includes paper.
 7. The vehicle of claim1, wherein the working surface is integrally formed with the frame. 8.The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the placard includes a slider removablycoupled with the frame, the slider including a handle and a dependingmember coupled thereto, the depending member defining the workingsurface.
 9. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the placard includes afender coupled thereto.
 10. The vehicle of claim 1, further comprising:a deck coupled to the rear frame; and a seat assembly configured to beremovably coupled to the rear frame, wherein the vehicle includes atricycle configuration when the seat assembly is coupled to the rearframe, and a scooter configuration when the seat assembly is removedfrom the rear frame.
 11. A vehicle for a child, comprising: a frontframe including a handlebar and at least one front wheel; a rear framemovably coupled to the front frame, the rear frame including at leastone rear wheel coupled thereto; a deck coupled to the rear frame andhaving an outer surface configured to support one or more feet of thechild, the outer surface generally defining a deck plane; and a seatassembly removably coupled to the rear frame at a location below thedeck plane.
 12. The vehicle of claim 11, wherein the upper surface ofthe deck is uninterrupted by the coupling of the seat assembly to therear frame.
 13. The vehicle of claim 11, wherein the rear frame includesa support post extending in a direction generally parallel to the deckplane, the seat assembly including a bracket having a leg extending in adirection generally parallel to the deck plane, the leg engaging thesupport post to couple the seat assembly to the rear frame.
 14. Thevehicle of claim 11, wherein the seat assembly is adjustable in twonon-parallel directions relative to the deck.